Original M2

[wwl]

I have long held the opinion that the only C&R M2s are the Winchester 17,000 or the 250,000 Inlands marked M2. However, we all hear of M1 overstamps transfering as C&Rs. Inasmuch as there is no official ATF designation of C&R status, what prevents an ATF examiner on a subsequent transfer application to a C&R license holder of denying the transfer as not a C&R. Bottom line---why pay any premium for a M1 overstamp sold as a C&R? What am I missing?

[bug]

I believe all of the Winchesters are 2 over 1. The Inlands have hand stamped versions, 2 or 1 in the late 6 mil range, 2 over 1 stamps after this and of course the honest M2 . To me, anything other than that should not be C&R. I have seen Inlands in the 3 mil range with 2 over 1 transfer as C&R. Not right but it happens. To me the SN tells the tale.

 

Bob D

[jim c 351]

While I basically agree with everything that bug says, isn't it written that anything over 50 years old automatically becomes a C&R.

Many carbines were converted by the government during and after WW2. So I would guess that these overstamps would be C&R. Hopefully the paperwork would show this.

On the other hand, a carbine converted in 1984 by Joe Blow would not be a C&R.

A real die hard carbine collector would want an original, as it left Inland , machine stamped carbine. Someone who just wants to make noise and do mag dumps wouldn't care.

Jim C

[bug]

That's a good point, Jim. Many, many M1 Carbines were converted to and overstamped M2 as a result of the Korean War. The tough part would be documenting a particular gun/SN as having been done on a specific date. I can't imagine what BATF would ask for to grant C&R status to such a gun. The late Win and Inland guns are "pure" and that makes it easy for them. Funny, they are sure quick to call an M2 marked gun a machinegun......

 

Bbo D